Newhall, Calif. - Another month of astounding performances is on the horizon, providing residents time to sit back and enjoy a show in the midst of holiday busyness. December is bringing a new collection of eclectic performers to the Repertory East Playhouse, at 24266 Main Street, for Thursday@Newhall’s 10 by 10 and Note by Note events. December 1 will be kicking off the month with an assortment of acts at the 10 by 10 Variety Night. December 8 will feature several talented musicians during Note by Note. Each Thursday evening begins at 7:00 p.m.

During the 10 by 10 Variety Night, on December 1, audience members will enjoy The New Mexican, Fisher McLeod School of Irish Dance and Dan Sachoff’s ventriloquist act. More performances will be by musician Abel Gallardo, Golden Pen Writers Guild and comedian Peggy Sinnot. Finally, musician Robert Matter, comedian Richard Myers and storyteller Vicki Juditz will contribute their own stylings and talents.

The second Thursday of the month, December 8, will bring additional entertainment at Note by Note. Five unique and gifted songwriters will bring their musical tastes and melodies; Sara Niemietz, Jen Hajj and J.C. Hyke, Antje Zumbansen and Tim Propersi. Residents will not want to miss these performances.

For more information regarding these events or to find information about participating as a performer, visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com.

Thank you for your participation in the City of Santa Clarita’s Thursdays@Newhall events. In an effort to further develop Old Town Newhall as an Arts and Entertainment District and to expand the various events in the area, we would like your feedback on the 2016 Thursdays@Newhall series. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your thoughts. Thank you!

LIGHT UP MAIN STREET CELEBRATION Set to Kick off the Holiday Season in old town newhall WITH MERRIMENT, Nov. 19

Newhall, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita’s annual Light Up Main Street celebration, happening Saturday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., is expected to bring thousands to Old Town Newhall.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016, a street closure will be in effect on Lyons Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Walnut Street. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., an additional closure will be in effect on Main Street between Lyons Avenue and Market Street for the 2016 Light Up Main Street event. The streets are expected to be reopened at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19. Detours will be provided for both Lyons Avenue and Railroad Avenue.

On street parking in Old Town Newhall will be available, in addition to the Metrolink Station, Old Town Newhall Library and the parking lot in and around Main Street. A free shuttle will begin at 5:00 p.m. from the Newhall Community Center to the event.

Residents planning to attend the Old Town Newhall Sip N’ Shop on November 19 should utilize Newhall Avenue and Railroad Avenue to access Old Town Newhall. The annual Sip N’ Shop event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. More information about the event, including participating merchants, can be found on the event’s Facebook page, located at Facebook.com/OldTownSipNShop.

For additional details or questions about the Light Up Main celebration, please contact the City’s Communications office at (661) 255-4939 or visit OldTownNewhall.com.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The Friends of the Santa Clarita Public Library is inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and build gingerbread houses for submission into the fourth annual Gingerbread House Contest. Submissions must be dropped off on Friday, December 2 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.at the Valencia Library, located at23743 Valencia Boulevard. The contest is free and open to all ages and skill levels. From tall ones to small ones, the library wants to see your best gingerbread architecture!

Submissions will be on display the following Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., residents may purchase five voting tickets for $1.00 to help decide which gingerbread house will receive the People’s Choice Special Award. Winners will be announced at the Valencia Library at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 4. Winners do not need to be present to win. Gingerbread houses will be judgedon imagination, construction, uniformity in baking and overall design.

Santa Clarita, Calif. - The City of Santa Clarita has been named The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) 2016 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County in the population of 68,000 and over category.

Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County’s third largest City, was recognized for the community minded and business driven approach to economic development, the priority of providing high quality jobs for local residents and the creation of an environment where businesses can focus on what they do best. In Santa Clarita, this is accomplished by a team of economic development professionals, business focused City departments, and strong partnerships with business associations and community organizations.

“To once again be named the Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County by the LAEDC is a true testament of our dedication to the business community,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “An array of small mom and pop restaurants to national corporate headquarters make up the business landscape in Santa Clarita and we continue to provide valuable resources that help our businesses of all sizes prosper.”

Santa Clarita was selected as a winner through independent review based on the demonstration of commitment to economic development; excellence in programs and services designed to facilitate business entry, expansion and retention; competitive business tax rates and fee structures; availability of economic incentives; and effective communication with and about business clients.

The City of Santa Clarita was a finalist for this award in 2015, 2014, 2007 and 2006. In 2008, the City was named the Most Business Friendly City in Los Angeles County in the population of 50,000 and over category. For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development division, programs and incentives, visitThinkSantaClarita.com.

Santa Clarita, Calif.- The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to join the Santa Clarita City Council for a special Veterans Day Ceremony to honor local veterans, currently-serving military and their families, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Veterans Historical Plaza, located at 24275 N. Walnut Street. The ceremony will include a special reading by Robert Heinisch as a sign of respect for those who are missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW) and an opportunity to hear from veteran Command Sergeant Major, Edward O. Littleton. There will also be changing of the flags by the Knights of Columbus Santa Clarita Assembly and Vietnam Veterans of America. Other featured speakers include the Santa Clarita City Council, Rabbi Mark Blazer, and Ted Olsen, who will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The event will also include patriotic performances of the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America” by Celena McMahon and “America the Beautiful” by Men of Harmony. The Veterans Day Ceremony is a collaboration between the City of Santa Clarita and American Family Funding, American Legion, Post 507, American Legion Auxiliary, Back to the War Zone, Blue Star Dads, Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons Chapter #82, College of the Canyons Veterans Program, Congressman Steve Knight’s Office, Disabled American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Elks Lodge 2379, Homes for Heroes, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Moose Lodge, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Optimists Club, Prayer Angels for the Military, Rotary Club, Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc., Soroptimists Club, The Soldiers Project, V.EW. Post 6110, V.EW. Post 6885, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wartime Romance and 1st Marine Division Associates. For more information about the Veterans Day Ceremony, please contact Mike Fleming with the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3777.

Santa Clarita, Calif. - From November 4 to November 6, Startup Weekend SCV, sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, challenged over 40 developers, designers and entrepreneurs to work together and build a startup company in just 54 hours. As part of a global movement, this event, which is completely led and organized by volunteers, offers attendees the opportunity to test new concepts in a challenging, engaging and risk-free environment.

The weekend began on Friday evening with attendees pitching their business ideas. From there, the group voted for the top pitches, teams were formed and the work began. On Saturday, the event continued with prototype building, resource and customer development, one-on-one coaching and feedback from local mentors. The event concluded on Sunday with presentations to a panel of judges that included product developers, investors and other entrepreneurs.

Arin Williams, winner of a pair of free tickets to the event from the Facebook competition held by the City of Santa Clarita said, “The Startup Weekend SCV event was incredible. In fact, my own startup has now become a concrete reality because I got to hook up with a developer who had the skills to bring it to life.” Arin’s startup team tied for second place in the competition.

The first place winner was SafeClub, a Facebook messenger software that will help educate consumers on car insurance choices in simple language, and let them quote and bind insurance packages without an agent. Tied for second was Let’s, an app to help groups plan where to eat based on everyone’s tastes and preferences, and Rangle, an app that empowers citizen journalists to capture footage of local events for media outlets that pay for the coverage.

The audience choice award went to Jam, an app to help musicians plan spontaneous local jam sessions, music lessons and professional collaborations.

The first place team won an investor sit-down, $1,500 credit to Steamwork Center, a new premier shared work and event space in Santa Clarita and $500 in cash. All participants received a free day pass and great offers at Steamwork Center, including a $50 credit toward membership.

Startup Weekend SCV was the final event in the City’s month long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship during Innovate Santa Clarita. Innovate Santa Clarita events included Santa Clarita Business Incubator entrepreneur highlight videos, networking events, a speaker event and pitch day to prepare for Startup Weekend SCV. As part of the City of Santa Clarita’s dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation, the City was a proud partner for Startup Weekend SCV. The event encourages and values entrepreneurship in the City, and is directly in line with the City’s small business programs and the Santa Clarita Business Incubator.

For highlights of Innovate Santa Clarita, search the hashtag #inSC on social media. To find out more about the Santa Clarita Business Incubator, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com. If you’d like to find additional information about Startup Weekend SCV, visit StartupWeekendSCV.com.

Kick start the holiday season in Old Town Newhall at the City’s annual celebration, Light Up Main Street, sponsored by Valencia Auto Center, Re/Max of Valencia, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Snow Orthodontics. On November 19, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Photo/City of Santa Clarita

Newhall, Calif. – Kick start the holiday season in Old Town Newhall at the City’s annual celebration, Light Up Main Street, sponsored by Valencia Auto Center, Re/Max of Valencia, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Snow Orthodontics. OnNovember 19, beginning at 6:00 p.m., members of the community can enjoy festive holiday performances from local groups including The Master’s Chorale, Hart High School Choir, Canyon Theatre Guild and more. At 7:00 p.m. the Santa Clarita City Council will officially turn on the lights to illuminate overhead displays on Main Street, thousands of twinkling lights and a 23-foot-tall Christmas tree that will dazzle and amaze.

In addition to the lights and entertainment, delicious sweet and savory food trucks will line Main Street offering savory and sweet options, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.

Prior to the start of Light Up Main Street, residents are invited to start holiday shopping early at the annual Old Town Newhall Sip N’ Shop. From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the merchants of Old Town Newhall will offer promotions and specials, simplifying holiday shopping!

Lyons Avenue will be closed beginning at 2:00 p.m. until midnight between Railroad Avenue and Walnut Street. Main Street will be closed starting at 4:00 p.m. until midnight between Lyons Avenue and Market Street. Both Walnut Street and Market Street will remain open to through traffic. Detours will be made available.

Free public parking will be available at the Old Town Newhall Library, the Newhall Community Center and several lots on and around Main Street. A free shuttle service from Newhall Community Center to Light Up Main Street will continuously be available from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to allow for easy access to the event. The Newhall Community Center is located at 22421 Market Street.

Santa Clarita, Calif. - Local residents are encouraged to share their opinions through the City of Santa Clarita’s annual Community Needs Assessment Survey. By completing this Survey, participants will help determine how Community Development Block Grant funding can best be allocated throughout the community in 2017-2018. The Survey is available online now at santa-clarita.com/Housing through December 15, 2016.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the City of Santa Clarita Community Development Block Grant funding to benefit lower-income residents. The City’s Community Needs Assessment Survey allows residents to weigh in on how funding should be distributed to housing, supportive services, community facilities and infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

Some of the key results of last year’s Community Needs Assessment are:

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Program or the Community Needs Assessment Survey, contact Terasa Sullivan, Project Technician for the City of Santa Clarita, at (661) 255-4368. The survey is available on the City’s website at santa-clarita.com/Housing.

Santa Clarita, Calif. - The City of Santa Clarita’s annual Fine Craft Show brings the one-of-a-kind designs and hand-made creations that embody the spirit of giving to one festive and convenient location. The community is invited to enjoy crafts made by over 40 vendors on Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Old Orchard Park, located at 25023 Avenida Rotella.

For many Santa Clarita residents, this event is a holiday shopping tradition due to the assortment of products ranging from the quaint to the exquisite; jewelry, paintings, pottery, woodwork, and so much more, all created with intentionality and creativity. Enjoy holiday shopping this season by perusing exclusive and beautiful gifts, while relishing food served from gourmet food trucks in an outdoor setting.

Santa Clarita, Calif.- The Santa Clarita Public Library, in partnership with the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library, will be hosting the 10th Annual Family Literacy Festival.This FREE event will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library located at 24500 Main Street. The theme of this year’s festival is “Explore Your World.”

The event will begin with a story read by Mayor Bob Kellar at 10:30 a.m. on the outdoor stage. At 10:50 a.m., Councilmember TimBen Boydston will also read a story. Following the story times, the audience will be treated to a special performance from the Canyon Theatre Guild at 11:15 a.m. Annie Banannie the Balloon Storyteller will entertain attendees on stage at noon, followed by a performance from the Santa Clarita Ballet Folklórico at 1:00 p.m.

A multitude of local students, teachers, artists and education enthusiasts will be partnering to host stations focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Participants will enjoy indoor and outdoor booths and stations offering interactive games and activities such as a coding lab, robot obstacle course, giant chess and stitching crafts. In addition, local authors, Jane Sobel and Janet Squires, will be at the festival to read their children’s books.

Children and teens up to 12th grade will receive a free book for attending the festival, while supplies last. The first 1,000 children to attend will also receive a free 10th Annual Family Literacy Festival bag!

Food trucks will be available at the festival for residents to purchase food and refreshments.